4 Warning Signs Your Skin Is Aging Too Fast

WARNING SIGN #1: BROWN SPOTS IN YOUR 20S AND 30S

After wrinkles, dark spots are probably the most obvious sign of skin aging. A common reason why they sprinkle a complexion? Too much unprotected sun exposure. And in case you didn’t know, dark spots only look more and more apparent—aka pigmented—with continued unprotected exposure to harmful UV rays. Aside from the aesthetic downside, too many dark spots on your complexion at a young age can indicate significant amounts of sun exposure, which is a big no-no for glowing, younger-looking skin. Remember: According to derms, there’s no such thing as a safe sun tan. To safeguard your skin from aging too quickly and from possibly developing skin cancers, wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or more each day—even when it’s cloudy—and reapply often! 

WARNING SIGN #2: SAGGING SKIN ON YOUR NECK, CHEST, AND HANDS 

What do your neck, chest, and hands all have in common? They’re among the first areas of skin to show signs of aging. When’s the last time you extended your cleanser, SPF, and moisturizer to these areas? If the answer is this morning, give yourself a pat on the back. If it isn’t, it’s time to change that…stat! To help plump and revive dry, rough, and crepe-like skin in these areas, look for a moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid. The must-have molecule holds 1000 times its weight in water, making it a moisture-binding power player. In addition to hydrating skin, hyaluronic acid can help to plump its appearance, so you’re best served to use it twice daily as part of your AM and PM routine. For the best anti-aging results, be sure to apply SPF and antioxidants like vitamin C in these areas, as well!

WARNING SIGN #3: WRINKLES AND VOLUME LOSS AT A YOUNG AGE

Our skin naturally slows down its production of collagen and elastin—two key components of bouncy, plump-looking skin—in our late twenties to early thirties. As a result, a few wrinkles and fine lines are likely to crop up here and there. If you make a lot of facial expressions or sleep on your side, those grooves and indentations might take longer to spring back in place, if at all. That said, if you’re noticing an increased number of wrinkles and bagging in your late teens or early twenties, this could be a sign of too much sun damage. Visit your dermatologist to discuss the best treatment plan. Be prepared to answer specific questions about your lifestyle, diet, and skin routine to help determine the root cause behind your premature wrinkles. Factors like smoking, pollution, and neglect can also cause premature wrinkling of the skin!

WARNING SIGN #4: DRIER AND ITCHIER SKIN THAN USUAL

With aging comes a loss of skin moisture, which more often than not leads to some itchiness. Pair that with a slowed down surface cell turnover rate, it’s no surprise that skin can look and feel dull, dry, and rough over time. To help combat the side effects and revive skin, daily applications of good quality, anti-aging moisturizer and regular exfoliation should be a priority. If your parched skin isn’t responding to your best efforts of hydration, pay a visit to your dermatologist. There could be a hidden message there waiting to be unearthed.